This San Francisco home, untouched since its early 1960s construction, was in need of a modern update. When Christina Higham, the interior designer behind SF-based Sun Soul Style, first toured the property with her clients—a young family of four—she knew immediate changes were necessary. “The original kitchen was on the opposite side of the home and felt isolated due to doors separating it from the living area,” she explains. “To enhance the spatial flow, we relocated the kitchen to the other side of the home and removed walls to create a seamless open-plan space that integrates the living, dining, and kitchen areas. This new layout is much more functional for both everyday living and socializing.”

With the family eager to move in, the renovation was set on a tight nine-month timeline. “The project involved reworking the overall layout, adding a primary bedroom and bathroom downstairs, and installing a large set of sliding doors off the kitchen that open to a new deck with expansive city views,” Christina shares. “This neighborhood is generally less foggy than the rest of the city, so indoor/outdoor entertaining was crucial.”

In terms of style, the designer drew inspiration from the home’s original mid-century details. “During our initial walkthrough, I was thrilled to see classic features like terrazzo flooring and original lighting,” she recalls. “While my clients wanted a bright, modern feel, we honored the home’s history with a fun terrazzo tile backsplash by Zia Tile in the kitchen and oak fluting [from WVH] on the kitchen island. The white cabinetry is complemented by a vibrant backsplash that adds personality to the space.”

Appliances from Thor and Cosmo blend with the modern design, while the warmth of oak flooring adds a cozy touch. Christina styled the space with pieces from The Poster Club and incorporated accessories from her own vintage collection to harmonize with the color palette and mid-century aesthetic. West Elm sconces complete the look.

The biggest challenge was timing. “Our clients wanted to be in the home by summer, which was a tight deadline,” she recalls. “Fortunately, we had an exceptional contractor and team who managed to complete the project on time.”